The Obama administration and lawmakers from both parties generally favor increasing the amount government workers contribute to their pensions. But federal employee unions say that's unfair and unnecessary, because “federal employee retirement is fully funded.”

OPM received 8,138 new claims last month -- 3,814 less than it received in September -- and managed to complete 12,228 applications. The backlog now stands at 37,086 retirement claims, down from 61,108 claims in January.

The TSP has had the authority of setting up mutual fund options since 2009, but its Employee Thrift Advisory Council, which represents several large federal unions and meets with the board at least once a year, is leery of giving participants too many options.

The Center for American Progress praised Pentagon proposals to raise TRICARE enrollment fees for military retirees to keep pace with increases in health care costs, create a 401(k)-based retirement system to replace the current vesting system, and increase the age at which service members can receive their pensions.

As the service seeks to reduce its active-duty force by 80,000 service members over the next four years, certain soldiers with at least 15 but less than 20 years of service will be eligible for the early out, which would provide them with full retirement benefits at a slightly reduced annuity.

Also, if you’re home on Monday morning enjoying the Veteran’s Day holiday and contemplating the 2012 open season, you may be interested to know that the guest on NITP's "For Your Benefit" radio program will be Walt Francis, independent consultant and principal author of CHECKBOOK’s Guide To Health Plans For Federal Employees. Walt will be discussing the best buys for federal employees and retirees for this year’s open season. The show will air live at 10 a.m. on AM 1500 in the Washington metro area or on FederalNewsRadio.com.

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